15539, Fishertown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15539, Fishertown, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.14 percent of the residents in 15539 has some form of health insurance. 55.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.93 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 15539 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 69 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15539. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 500 health care providers accessible to residents in 15539, Fishertown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Fishertown, PA (ZIP Code 15539)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Fishertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15539) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" assessment. Due to the specific nature of this request, a precise numerical score cannot be generated without proprietary data. Instead, this analysis provides a qualitative assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement within the specified parameters.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is access to qualified primary care physicians. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in Fishertown is crucial. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, and comparing it to the total population, provides a baseline. A low ratio (e.g., a high number of patients per physician) could indicate potential access challenges, especially for individuals requiring regular check-ups and urgent care for asthma exacerbations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better accessibility. This data, ideally, would be coupled with information on physician specialization (e.g., whether any physicians are board-certified allergists or pulmonologists) to gauge the depth of asthma-specific expertise available locally.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care delivered by primary care practices significantly impacts the Asthma Score. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several metrics. This includes the availability of comprehensive asthma management plans, adherence to national asthma guidelines (such as those published by the National Institutes of Health), and the use of evidence-based treatments. Practices that proactively educate patients on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and self-management strategies would score higher. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care. Reviews from credible sources, considering both the positive and negative experiences, contribute to a more balanced assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly evolving aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly relevant for chronic conditions like asthma. The presence of telemedicine capabilities within Fishertown's primary care practices can significantly enhance the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages: remote monitoring of lung function, virtual consultations for medication adjustments, and easier access to care for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that utilize telemedicine for routine follow-ups, medication refills, and educational sessions would be viewed favorably. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine infrastructure could indicate a missed opportunity to improve patient convenience and access.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore a critical component of the Asthma Score assessment. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and provide integrated care would receive higher scores.

Assessing the availability of asthma-specific educational resources is also important. Practices that offer patient education materials, such as brochures, videos, and online resources, empower patients to actively participate in their own care. This includes information on asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency action plans. The availability of educational programs, such as asthma self-management workshops, further enhances the Asthma Score.

To summarize, the Asthma Score for primary care in Fishertown (ZIP code 15539) is a complex metric. It’s influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score reflects a healthcare landscape that prioritizes access, quality, and comprehensive patient care. A low score indicates areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, enhancing care quality, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and integrating mental health services.

The overall assessment of Fishertown's asthma care capabilities is dependent on the availability of detailed data. This includes information on physician demographics, practice characteristics, patient satisfaction, and resource availability. Without this data, a precise score cannot be calculated. However, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the key factors that contribute to an effective asthma care system.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fishertown and other areas, consider exploring the power of visual data. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to analyze healthcare data, visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability. This can help identify areas with high asthma prevalence and areas with limited access to care. By utilizing mapping tools, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and make informed decisions.